Caitlin Clark, the guard for the Indiana Fever, has announced her withdrawal from the upcoming WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis due to a groin injury. Prior to the break, Clark suffered another setback, prompting her decision to rest before the second half of the season begins.
In a statement released by the Fever, Clark expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, “I’m so excited for Indy to host WNBA All-Star this weekend.” She extended her gratitude to the Indianapolis Host Committee and everyone involved in organizing the event, emphasizing her belief that it will be the best All-Star Weekend yet.
Regrettably, she added, “I am incredibly sad and disappointed to say I can’t participate in the 3-Point Contest or the All-Star Game. I have to rest my body. I will still be at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for all the action, and I’m looking forward to helping Sandy coach our team to a win. Can’t wait to see you all out there!”
In light of Clark’s withdrawal, the WNBA has confirmed that she will be replaced in the All-Star Game by Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes. The league now faces the task of selecting a suitable replacement for Clark in the 3-Point Contest, a decision that remains pending.
Several players are in contention for this opportunity, as highlighted by Sports Illustrated’s Karl Rasmussen. One potential candidate is Tiffany Hayes, guard for the Golden State Valkyries. Hayes has demonstrated impressive shooting skills this season, converting 46.0% of her 3-point attempts over 15 games. This statistic places her third in the league among players with at least 60 attempts from beyond the arc, according to WNBA Stats.
While Hayes’s performance makes her a strong contender, it is essential to consider whether she would be available to compete on such short notice. Despite the pressure of the timeline, the 13-year WNBA veteran has a compelling case for participation, especially given her shooting accuracy this season.
As All-Star Weekend approaches, fans and players alike will be watching closely to see how the league addresses this unexpected shift, particularly in selecting a replacement for the 3-Point Contest. The excitement surrounding the event in Indianapolis remains palpable, and the WNBA continues to showcase its talent, even amid challenges.